Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio's anti-illegal immigration patrols took center stage Thursday in federal court as a group of Latinos set out to prove that his deputies racially profiled them as part of a systemic policy of discrimination. Opening arguments were made in the civil lawsuit. Instead of money, the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that the Maricopa County department racially profiles and an order requiring it to make changes to prevent discriminatory policing.

washington

$268K GSA awards event investigated

The General Services Administration spent more than $268,000 on a one-day awards ceremony, an inspector general told Congress on Thursday, the latest revelation of lavish government conferences on taxpayers' tab. In a letter to a House subcommittee, GSA Inspector General Brian Miller said he is investigating the Nov. 17, 2010, event in two Washington hotels that featured a drum band exercise and more than $50,000 in gifts and awards to attendees. The GSA said all spending for events was suspended in April.

washington

GOP's Boehner defends Abedin

Calling accusations from conservatives in Congress against a top Muslim aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton "pretty dangerous," House Speaker John Boehner on Thursday became the second top GOP official to stand by Huma Abedin. The secretary of state's longtime adviser was singled out by conservative Rep. Michele Bachmann and four other rank-and-file Republicans who want a federal investigation to determine if Abedin is using her State Department influence to further the goals of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Elsewhere

Washington: The Defense Department said Thursday it is allowing service members to march in uniform in a gay pride parade for the first time in U.S. history, at San Diego's gay pride parade Saturday.

University Park, Pa.: Steve Garban resigned Thursday from the Penn State Board Of Trustees, the first board member to do so in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.